The Commonwealth Youth Games embody the spirit of humanity, achievement and harmony. Pune, as the host city for the III Commonwealth Youth Games, inherently prides itself of all these noble values. The cultural capital of Maharashtra is also known as the "Queen of the Deccan" due to its salubrious climate and location. A significant player in the history of India, it wears a rich historical legacy characterized with the glorious period of the Marathas and the Peshwas.
It is one of the fastest growing metropolis in the country. The city is emerging as a major IT centre of excellence. Pune is also known as the “Detroit of the East” due to the presence of fastest growing automobile industry in Asia. The city has a rich heritage and historical repute of being the epicenter of all activities related to tradition, sports and culture.
Pune as a modern energetic city pulsating with warmth, energy, vivacity and enthusiasm provides a perfect background for an event of such a magnitude while contributing towards the tradition of the Commonwealth Youth Games.
Pune is the ideal venue for conducting the Commonwealth Youth Games as it is truly the city of the youth!
Nestled amidst the Sahyadri Hills in the large, prosperous Indian state of Maharashtra, Pune has a population of over 45 lakh. Situated at a height of 560m above sea level at the confluence of the Mula and Mutha rivers, it is surrounded by hills, valleys and historic forts. Pune is the second largest city in Maharashtra, after capital Mumbai.
Pune has a pleasant climate almost all through the year, except during the summer months of April and May, when temperatures can soar to 40º C. winter temperatures can dip to as low as 5º C at night but the days are balmy and agreeable. The monsoon from June to early September is characterized by moderate to heavy rain and cool days and nights.
Pune has a glorious past. From the celebrated times of legendary warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji and 18th century rulers, the Peshwas, to the historic era of eminent freedom fighters, social reformers and educationists, the city has played a leading role in the growth of the region and country.
Pune probably derived its name from the word punya or auspicious. According to Hindu beliefs, the confluence or sangam of two rivers is auspicious. Since Pune is located at the confluence of the Mula and Mutha rivers, it is considered a punya vishaya (auspicious region). Some of its other earlier names were Punaka Wadi, Punaka Desh and Punya Nagari.
The city is administered by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) set up in 1950. The PMC is in charge of the civic needs and infrastructure of the city. The executive power of the Corporation is vested in the Municipal Commissioner, an IAS officer appointed by the State government. The city is divided into 48 panels or municipal wards, each electing three corporators to the PMC. The Mayor is the titular head of the PMC and has few executive powers.
The city also houses three military cantonments (Pune, Khadki and Dehu Road). They are administered by the Cantonment Boards formed by the Ministry of Defence, and are not under the jurisdiction of the PMC.
Pune and the neighbouring townships of Pimpri-Chinchwad share a symbiotic relationship and are often perceived as one unit. The PMC and the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) often work together to promote development of the region.
It is the people who live here that define the city. Pune has many identities, each of which is also a definition of its inhabitants. This is a city of retired government officers, motivated professionals, dedicated social workers, dynamic servicemen, talented artistes, gifted scientists and educationists, and vibrant students.
Once a Maharashtrian bastion, it is now a melting pot of different communities, each contributing to the unique ethos of the city. A blend of tradition and modernity, the city is home to diverse people, ranging from the deeply conservative Punekar to the more contemporary and open-minded Puneite. While pockets of the inner city reflect a more traditional ambience, you will find a more cosmopolitan outlook in the newer areas of the city and the cantonments.
Pune’s inhabitants have varying interests, ranging from theatre and classical music to environmental activism and outdoor activities. people of Pune are warm and caring. In general, the man on the street is approachable and willing to help. Service staff in stores and restaurants is courteous and helpful.
Marathi is the official language of the state of Maharashtra, and is spoken by a vast majority in Pune. Signboards of all shops, commercial establishments, restaurants, and even private offices are written in both Marathi and English. However, since Pune also has a large non-Maharashtrian population, Hindi and English are extensively heard, understood and used.
Pune has grown from a city of the pensioners to a bustling metro. Despite the emergence of modern offices, shopping malls, multiplexes, multi cuisine restaurants, star hotels and discos…. Pune remains distinctly different from the fast paced life in Mumbai and has managed to retain its old world charm! Pune has developed into a city of many faces. The city has a rich heritage and historical repute of being the epicenter of all activities related to tradition, sports and culture.
Oxford of the East…. The city is home to well known educational institutions like Pune University, Fergusson College, Symbiosis Institute, Bharati Vidyapeeth, Film & Television Institute of India, to name a few. The National Defence Academy (NDA), India’s premier defence training institute, is situated at Khadakvasla.
Cultural capital of Maharashtra….. world renowned artistes consider it privilege to perform for the discerning audiences of Pune. The Ganesh Kala Krida Rangmanch, Bal Gandharva Rangmandir, Y B Chavan Auditorium, Bharat Natya Mandir, Katraj Open air theatre are some theatres which have witnessed soul stirring performances by these artistes.
The Historical city…. The Sound & Light show or ‘Son-et-Lumiere at the Shaniwarwada brings alive the golden era of the great Maratha empire. The Vishrambaugwada, Shinde Chhatri, Parvati Hill bear testimony to the rich history of the city.
Tourist destination….. Raja Kelkar Museum with an impressive collection of Indian artifacts and antiques, Katraj lake, Bund Garden, Osho Commune, Ramamani Iyengar Yoga Institute, Shiv Chhatrapati Shivaji Sports city and the Aga Khan Palace are other places worth visiting. Detroit of the East – Some of the biggest automobile manufacturers like Tata Motors, Daimler Chrysler (I) Ltd., Bajaj Auto Ltd, Kinetic Motors, Bajaj Tempo have their base in Pune.
The industrial hub - Bharat Forge, one of the largest forging companies in the world, Suzlon India, Alfa Laval, Hindustan Antibiotics, Sandvik Asia, Finolex Cables, Garware Wall Ropes, Idea Cellular Ltd., etc are all situated here.
IT destination. Pune has developed into a major IT destination of the country. Some of the biggest IT companies in India such as Infosys Technologies, Wipro Ltd., Geometric Software, WNS to name a few, are situated at the Software park. Many BPOs and Call centres have also come up in the recent past.